Christ did not stoop to enter into controversy with Satan. He might have brought against him the cruel work which his deceptions had wrought in heaven, causing the ruin of a vast number of its inhabitants. He might have pointed to the falsehoods told 479 in Eden, that had led to Adam's sin and brought death upon the human race. He might have reminded Satan that it was his own work in tempting Israel to murmuring and rebellion, which had wearied the long-suffering patience of their leader, and in an unguarded moment had surprised him into the sin for which he had fallen under the power of death. But Christ referred all to His Father, saying, "The Lord rebuke thee." Jude 9. The Saviour entered into no dispute with His adversary, but He then and there began His work of breaking the power of the fallen foe, and bringing the dead to life. Here was an evidence that Satan could not controvert, of the supremacy of the Son of God. The resurrection was forever made certain. Satan was despoiled of his prey; the righteous dead would live again.

Kristus nedlod sig ikke til at strides med Satan. Han kunne have foreholdt ham de grusomme følger af hans bedrageri i Himmelen og den ulykke, det havde forvoldt et stort antal af dens beboere. Han kunne have mindet ham om, at det var hans løgne i Eden, der var skyld i, at Adam syndede, og at menneskeheden blev dødens bytte. Han kunne have gjort Satan opmærksom på, at det var ham, der havde fristet Israel til at knurre og gøre oprør, så at folkets leder mistede sin næsten uopslidelige tålmodighed og i et ubevogtet øjeblik blev overrumplet til at begå den synd, der var skyld i, at døden fik magten over ham. Men Kristus lagde det alt sammen i sin Faders hænder og sagde: "Herren straffe dig!" Judas 9. Frelseren gav sig ikke til at diskutere med sin modstander, men begyndte i dette øjeblik og på dette sted at gøre den faldne fjende magtesløs og at give de døde livet tilbage. Satan kunne ikke gendrive dette bevis på Guds Søns overherredømme. Opstandelsen var sikret for evigt. Satans bytte blev taget fra ham. De retfærdige døde ville blive kaldt til live igen.